The Las Vegas Raiders are set to take on their heated AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Sunday. With the clash just days away, Derek Carr reflected on his career and putting on the Silver and Black.
When the Raiders’ new brain trust came into power earlier this offseason, one of the first questions posed was regarding Carr’s future. But new head coach Josh McDaniels couldn’t escape it as he was asked about coaching right from the outset. He was even hounded by reporters at the NFL Combine, but this new duo (with general manager Dave Ziegler) kept things close to the chest. Interestingly enough, McDaniels made it clear he wanted to win with Carr, and win now. As the offseason progressed, Carr finally got his new deal, and now everyone’s attention could shift to expectations for the three-time Pro Bowler. Those expectations grew exponentially once the Raiders acquired his college teammate and NFL All-Pro, Davante Adams.
Raiders QB Derek Carr opens up about his ninth season
You often hear the phrase “this will be his most important season yet” when talking about football players. However, that can truly be applied to Carr this year. He holds the team’s passing records (mostly) and has three Pro Bowl nods to his credit. Nevertheless, other than two first-round playoff exits, Carr hasn’t experienced much team success, though to be fair, one of those playoff losses isn’t on him. Regardless, 2022 is a chance to finally get over that hump in his ninth season. The polarizing quarterback remains humble in the face of it all.
“It never gets old. Always thankful. This will be my ninth one, and anytime you make it that far in the NFL, I’m super thankful and grateful for every opportunity that I get to put on the Silver and Black and play. I don’t think that’ll ever get old.”
For years, the debate surrounding Carr has engulfed Raider Nation. One thing that can’t be taken away from Carr is that he’s always said he loves playing for the Raiders. In turn, the Raiders have finally surrounded No. 4 with a bevy of weapons to throw at him. Expectations are high and as Carr looks back on how far he’s come, the best is yet to come.
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*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports